Using Options to Bet on Higher Oil Prices

A further rise in oil prices is possible given concerns that a strike on Syria could lead to a wider conflict, disrupting crude supplies.

Investors' fears that a U.S.-led coalition may attack Syria for using chemical weapons against its citizens have roiled global markets and boosted oil prices despite Syria itself being a minor oil producer.

Syria produces about 400,000 barrels of oil each day, No. 19 among world producers, according to Central Intelligence Agency data. The U.S. ranks third, behind Saudi Arabia and Russia.